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Ottawa's Parliament Hill, where the Carney government is rolling out Canada's largest fiscal stimulus package since 1980. / Photo: Unsplash. MoneySavings.ca  ·  Economy & Policy Monday, April 13, 2026  ·  Daily Edition Canada at a crossroads: oil shock, frozen rates, and a trade deal on the clock Canada's economy is navigating a uniquely complicated moment in 2026. A Middle East conflict has sent oil prices surging past US$104 a barrel, a once-in-a-generation fiscal stimulus package is being rolled out in Ottawa, and the clock is ticking on a renegotiation of Canada's most important trade agreement. For everyday Canadians, this means uncertainty at the gas pump, a central bank with limited room to cut rates, and a federal government betting big on public spending to kick-start growth. Here is what you need to know about the forces shaping the Canadian economy right now. 1. The Bank of Canada is stuck — and oil is why The Bank of Canada has held it...

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Netanyahu Announces Hostage Release Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict


In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a deal has been reached to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This agreement comes after intense negotiations and is expected to bring relief to many families who have been waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.

The deal, which is set to be implemented in phases, will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, in the first six-week phase. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails. The total number of Palestinians released could range between 990 and 1,650, depending on the number of hostages freed.

The ceasefire agreement, which accompanies the hostage release deal, aims to halt the fighting that has devastated Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the enclave's population. Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, causing further casualties.

Netanyahu's announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many see it as a necessary step towards peace, hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition have opposed the deal, viewing it as a capitulation to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to resign if the deal is approved.

The Israeli cabinet is expected to give final approval to the deal, with the first hostages set to be released on Sunday. This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict and could potentially ease hostilities in the region.


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